Traveling to the UK with cremains
 

Does anyone have experience with this?

I have checked the requisite government websites and it doesn't appear to be terribly difficult. Knowing the UK bureaucracy, I had thought I might need a permit or something. But it appears not.

I have read websites of the airlines I am likely to buy a ticket from, and there doesn't appear to be any insurmountable hurdles. I need a copy of the death certificate and a certificate from the crematory certifying that the container contains human remains. Already have those.

So at this point I am just wondering if anyone has recently made the journey themselves, and if it is truly no more complicated than what research indicates. Obviously, this is something I don't want to have go wrong at a port of entry.

Thanks in advance.

Re: Traveling to the UK with cremains
 

I flew in 2010 from Canada to the Glasgow with ashes. We didn't have any issues at the airport leaving they just took a swab around the urn to test and as far as i am aware there were no issues arriving into Glasgow.

We did bring the death certificate and a letter from the funeral home

We also did not purchase a separate ticket or seat from them the box the urn was in fit underneath the seat

Re: Traveling to the UK with cremains
 

Thank you, mcleodfamily. That's reassuring.

I won't be flying with an urn. I had the ashes "split" when I made the arrangements. One half are inside a clock in our living room. The half I will transport to the UK are in a black plastic box, probably 8 by 8 inches square.

Re: Traveling to the UK with cremains
 

So long as the box can be x rayed it's ok. Check with the airline whether they allow the ashes to be on board or if they have to be in checked luggage.

I brought my son's ashes to Canada from Australia in October and had no problems at all

Re: Traveling to the UK with cremains
 

Oh Dorothy, I'm sorry about your son. I'm sorry you're able to help me with an answer.

*hugs to you*

Re: Traveling to the UK with cremains
 

I brought my fathers ashes back last year NZ to UK with no issues. Were in hand luggage, i did have the death certificate but no one asked/questionned me at all. Flew Air New Zealand via LAX to LHR. Should be fine.

Re: Traveling to the UK with cremains
 

Thank you, sparkleydiva.

Re: Traveling to the UK with cremains
 

My son and I returned from Northern Ireland on July 14th.

I thought I should let everyone know that I had no problems whatsoever carrying my husband's ashes from the US to the UK. If for nothing other than helping someone in the future who might run a search for the topic.

His ashes were in a temporary acrylic receptacle that I carried in a leather tote as hand luggage. It passed through security at the outgoing US airport with no issues. No one at that airport even asked to see documentation. The bag was taken aside and gone over with the "magic wand" that US airport security uses. But the agent was very respectful and kind.

We managed to get turned around in the airport in Edinburgh, and ended up having to put the box through UK scanning and security. Not a single question and not put through any secondary scanning.

I did carry a death certificate and a certificate of human cremains. But as I already mentioned, no one ever asked to see them. Not even the undertaker in the UK who arranged for burial of the ashes. I would however recommend that should you find yourself in this situation, have the documents on hand. You just never know.

Re: Traveling to the UK with cremains
 

I am sure that will help someone in a similar situation. How are you doing though? The last few years have been tough for you. Hope you are as well as can be expected.

Re: Traveling to the UK with cremains
 

So very sorry to read about this journey, Rebeccajo.

I too hope you're doing OK. Please take care of yourself....

Re: Traveling to the UK with cremains
 

Thanks for asking. It all comes and goes, you know? The mood.

We were fortunate to be able to arrange for a burial of the ashes on short notice. So now part of him rests in a grave he shares with his Mum and Pop. He loved them so. I know he'd be pleased.

It was really hard walking around the city and realizing that all I can ever be there is a visitor.

Re: Traveling to the UK with cremains
 

I take individual therapy and have the support of a lot of friends. But the loneliness is palpable, to be honest.

Thanks for the well wishes though.

Re: Traveling to the UK with cremains
 

I'm glad it went well for you with no dramas.

Re: Traveling to the UK with cremains
 

Just saw this post - I'm so glad that you were able to make it back to your husband's home town (my home town also) with his ashes. It must have been a very sad journey for you. I have sent you a PM.

Re: Traveling to the UK with cremains
 

Yes, the loneliness.... a good sign in many ways because it means you loved each other and enriched each other's lives. So it's wonderful to have had that, but so very hard to do without it now. Hugs, Rebeccajo.